Donald J. Leggett

Donald J. Leggett, Sr., 83, of New Philadelphia, passed away in Country Club Retirement Community Saturday evening, April 18, 2015 following a period of declining health associated with Primary Lateral Sclerosis.

Born in Dennison on January, 18, 1932, he was the son of the late Loren Willard and Mary Emma (Farner) Leggett. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1952, Don joined the United States Marines where he honorably served his country. While home on leave on August 8, 1952, he eloped with his sweetheart, the former Nancy Ann Wells, and they celebrated a lifetime of love and happiness.

Don’s professional career spanned 33 years with the former I.F. Manufacturing Company where he worked as a furnace operator. Notably, while in high school, he also was employed at the local airport and worked under the direction of Harry Clever.

He had a passion for fixing, restoring, and driving cars throughout his lifetime. It began as a young child. In 1948, he and his father built a car from scratch, which was featured in a variety of publications. The car was created from 22 other ones, and was completed in 1949. He and his girlfriend at the time, now wife, loved to cruise around in the fast vehicle.

Don also enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling.

His faith was nurtured at the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia where he was an usher. Later, he and Nancy joined the Broadway United Methodist Church where they worshiped for a number of years.
He will be deeply missed by Nancy; his children, Valerie Leggett of New Philadelphia and Donald J. (Vivian) Leggett of Bolivar; his grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth (Dustin) Cook of New Albany and Chase Leggett of Uniontown ; and his great-grandchildren, Corbin Cook, Ethan Leggett, and Conor and Carson Cook; and his brother, Willard (Erlyne) Leggett of New Philadelphia.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 1 to 2 p.m. Pastor Max Canfield and Elder Nathan Elliott will co-officiate a service beginning at 2 p.m. Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, following the service where a meal will be shared. Cremation will be cared for through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.

Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to First Church of the Brethren, 700 Fair Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.